ACTA APOSTOLICAE SEDIS - La Santa Sede

Acta Benedicti Pp.XVI 707
principles of justice are fully respected and, above all, to bring healing to the
victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes.”
The publication of the Cloyne Report marks a further stage in the long and
difficult path of ascertaining the truth, of penance and purification, and of
healing and renewal of the Church in Ireland. The Holy See does not consider
itself extraneous to this process but shares in it in a spirit of solidarity and
commitment.
In a spirit of humility, the Holy See, while rejecting unfounded accusations,
welcomes all objective and helpful observations and suggestions to
combat with determination the appalling crime of sexual abuse of minors.
The Holy See wishes to state once again that it shares the deep concern and
anxiety expressed by the Irish authorities, by Irish citizens in general and by
the Bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful of Ireland with regard to the
criminal and sinful acts of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and religious.
It also recognizes the understandable anger, disappointment and sense of
betrayal of those affected — particularly the victims and their families —
by these vile and deplorable acts and by the way in which they were sometimes
handled by Church authorities, and for all of this it wishes to reiterate
its sorrow for what happened. It is confident that the measures which the
Church has introduced in recent years at a universal level, as well as in
Ireland, will prove more effective in preventing the recurrence of these acts
and will contribute to the healing of those who suffered abuse and to the
restoration of mutual confidence and collaboration between Church and
State authorities, which is essential for the effective combating of the scourge
of abuse. Naturally, the Holy See is well aware that the painful situation to
which the episodes of abuse have given rise cannot be resolved swiftly or
easily, and that although much progress has been made, much remains to
be done.
Since the early days of the Irish State and especially since the establishment
of diplomatic relations in 1929, the Holy See has always respected
Ireland’s sovereignty, has maintained cordial and friendly relations with
the country and its authorities, has frequently expressed its admiration for
the exceptional contribution of Irish men and women to the Church’s mission
and to the betterment of peoples throughout the world, and has been unfailing
in its support of all efforts to promote peace on the island during the